UXJA vs. FDL

Last updated Jun 24, 2026

UXJA (FT Vest U.S. Equity Uncapped Accelerator ETF - January) and FDL (First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund) are both exchange-traded funds - UXJA is a Defined Outcome fund actively managed by First Trust, while FDL is a Large Cap Value Equities fund tracking the Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index. UXJA is actively managed, while FDL is passively managed. Over the past year, UXJA returned 24.93% vs 22.39% for FDL. At a 0.27 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. UXJA charges 0.85%/yr vs 0.43%/yr for FDL.

Performance

UXJA vs. FDL - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in FT Vest U.S. Equity Uncapped Accelerator ETF - January (UXJA) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, UXJA achieves a 8.51% return, which is significantly lower than FDL's 12.67% return.

UXJA

• 1D: -1.47%
• 1M: -1.48%
• YTD: 8.51%
• 6M: 7.34%
• 1Y: 24.93%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

FDL

• 1D: 1.20%
• 1M: -2.75%
• YTD: 12.67%
• 6M: 13.02%
• 1Y: 22.39%
• 3Y*: 19.10%
• 5Y*: 13.08%
• 10Y*: 11.12%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

UXJA vs. FDL - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025
UXJA FT Vest U.S. Equity Uncapped Accelerator ETF - January	8.51%	14.47%
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	12.67%	12.38%

Correlation

The correlation between UXJA and FDL is 0.12, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.12
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Jan 21, 2025	0.27

The correlation between UXJA and FDL shifts across timeframes, from 0.12 (1 year) to 0.27 (all time), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

UXJA vs. FDL — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

UXJA

UXJA Risk / Return Rank: 58
UXJA Sharpe Ratio Rank: 58
UXJA Sortino Ratio Rank: 55
UXJA Omega Ratio Rank: 54
UXJA Calmar Ratio Rank: 57
UXJA Martin Ratio Rank: 64

FDL

FDL Risk / Return Rank: 69
FDL Sharpe Ratio Rank: 61
FDL Sortino Ratio Rank: 68
FDL Omega Ratio Rank: 57
FDL Calmar Ratio Rank: 90
FDL Martin Ratio Rank: 69

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

UXJA vs. FDL - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for FT Vest U.S. Equity Uncapped Accelerator ETF - January (UXJA) and First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	UXJA	FDL	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.77	1.95	-0.18
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	2.41	2.96	-0.55
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.31	1.34	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	2.55	5.26	-2.72
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	10.61	12.40	-1.79

UXJA vs. FDL - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current UXJA Sharpe Ratio is 1.77, which is comparable to the FDL Sharpe Ratio of 1.95. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of UXJA and FDL, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

UXJA vs. FDL - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum UXJA drawdown since its inception was -20.01%, smaller than the maximum FDL drawdown of -65.93%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for UXJA and FDL.

Drawdown Indicators

	UXJA	FDL	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-20.01%	-65.93%	+45.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-9.83%	-4.27%	-5.56%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	—	-12.24%	—
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	—	-16.46%	—
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	—	-41.40%	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-3.47%	-3.09%	-0.38%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-2.94%	-9.64%	+6.70%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	2.36%	1.81%	+0.55%

Volatility

UXJA vs. FDL - Volatility Comparison

FT Vest U.S. Equity Uncapped Accelerator ETF - January (UXJA) has a higher volatility of 5.19% compared to First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund (FDL) at 3.72%. This indicates that UXJA's price experiences larger fluctuations and is considered to be riskier than FDL based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	UXJA	FDL	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	5.19%	3.72%	+1.47%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	10.92%	8.09%	+2.83%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	14.19%	11.54%	+2.65%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	18.69%	14.31%	+4.38%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	18.69%	17.11%	+1.58%

UXJA vs. FDL - Expense Ratio Comparison

UXJA has a 0.85% expense ratio, which is higher than FDL's 0.43% expense ratio.

Dividends

UXJA vs. FDL - Dividend Comparison

UXJA has not paid dividends to shareholders, while FDL's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 3.70%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
FDL First Trust Morningstar Dividend Leaders Index Fund	3.70%	4.04%	4.96%	4.58%	3.58%	4.59%	4.48%	3.75%	3.97%	3.18%	2.93%	3.65%
UXJA FT Vest U.S. Equity Uncapped Accelerator ETF - January	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both UXJA and FDL in my portfolio?

UXJA and FDL have a correlation of 0.12, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, UXJA or FDL?

UXJA has higher volatility (5.19%) compared to FDL (3.72%). In terms of maximum drawdown, UXJA dropped -20.01% vs FDL's -65.93%.

Which ETF is better, UXJA or FDL?

On 1-year performance, UXJA leads with 24.93% vs 22.39% for FDL. On fees, FDL is cheaper at 0.43% per year. On volatility, FDL has been the lower-risk option at 3.72%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, UXJA or FDL?

Over the 1-year period, UXJA has performed better with a 24.93% return vs 22.39%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, UXJA or FDL?

FDL is cheaper with a 0.43% expense ratio, compared with 0.85% for UXJA.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, UXJA or FDL?

FDL has the higher dividend yield at 3.70%, compared with 0.00% for UXJA.

What is the main difference between UXJA and FDL?

UXJA is categorized as Defined Outcome, while FDL is Large Cap Value Equities. Their fees differ too: 0.85% for UXJA and 0.43% for FDL.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FDL currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.95 vs 1.77), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.